Erling Haaland delivered when Norway needed him most, scoring in five minutes to seal a 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire and send his team into the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16. Antonio Nusa’s superb first-half opener gave Norway the lead before substitute Amad Diallo pulled the Ivorians level in the 74th minute, but Haaland’s intervention ensured Ståle Solbakken’s side survived a long period of pressure to book a blockbuster meeting with Brazil.
Norway strike first before Côte d’Ivoire’s pressure builds
The Round of 32 at the Dallas Stadium went exactly as expected, with Côte d’Ivoire in control of possession while Norway looked to punish them in transition. The Emerse Faé team enjoyed 52 percent of the ball, completed 442 wins at an accuracy rate of 86% and forced Norway back, however the Scandinavian side remained composed within their defensive zone and were very clinical when opportunities arose.
Norway’s Kristoffer Ajer (3) stops the ball during the 32nd World Cup soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Elephants attacked their flanks, finishing the evening with 14 corners compared to Norway’s three, but Norway’s back line held on bravely with the aircraft carrier waiting for the opening. Their victory came in the 39th minute through a move that perfectly reflected their game plan. Martin Ødegaard started the transition from midfield before the ball was quickly played to Antonio Nusa’s left. The striker picked up Guéla Doué, moved the ball inside and placed his powerful foot to create enough space to shoot. His curling effort went wide before Yahia Fofana headed inside the right corner, giving Norway a 1-0 lead from the ball.
Antonio Nusa (20) of Norway reacts during the 32nd World Cup soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Diallo’s score changes the game before Haaland has the final say
Côte d’Ivoire came out after the break determined to destroy the deficit and gradually increase the pressure around the Norwegian penalty area. Despite producing 14 shots to Norway’s nine and repeatedly forcing the defense, clear chances were few and far between as the European side continued to defend the central areas effectively.
Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo (15), right, scores his team’s first goal during the 32nd World Cup soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Faé’s changes finally paid off in the 74th minute. Nicolas Pépé found space outside the area before connecting well with substitute Amad Diallo. The Manchester United winger quickly linked up with Pépé in a two-two, slipped between two Norwegian defenders and swept low past Ørjan Nyland to make it 1-1, and set up a strong man who seems to be making a strong transition to Côte d’Ivoire.
Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo (15) celebrates after scoring the opening goal in the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Ivory Coast and Norway in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
As the game drew to a close, the contest became more open with both teams chasing a winner instead of settling for overtime. Norway scored in the 85th minute through their star man. Patrick Berg won the game and immediately drove a dangerous ball into the six-yard box. Haaland expected to deliver faster than anyone else, eluded Emmanuel Agbadou and finished the finish past Fofana from close range to restore Norway’s advantage and keep the Ivorian fans at bay.
Clinical Norway withstands late pressure to reach the last 16
The closing minutes saw Côte d’Ivoire throw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but Norway held on to complete their biggest win of the tournament so far. Although Norway finished with only 48 percent and graduated 411 compared to Côte d’Ivoire’s 442, their success was impressive. They converted two of their three shots on target, while the Ivorians managed just one goal despite registering five of their 14 attempts. Norway also completed 89 percent of their passes, better than Côte d’Ivoire’s 86 percent despite seeing less football. Defensively, the Scandinavian side took major challenges throughout the tournament. He repeatedly cleared the ball from the 14 corners he conceded, made 14 fouls to stop the attack and received two yellow cards, while Côte d’Ivoire finished with 11 fouls and one booking. The victory sends Norway into the Round of 16, where they will meet five-time champions Brazil in New York on July 5. Côte d’Ivoire’s tournament ends after an impressive but improbable performance in which possession, possession and attack were marred by Norway’s unsteadiness in the penultimate round of penalties with Halandland.
